So often do we talk about our faith in Christ and how we came to know Him. Even our strivings to do His will and to serve others as He would, however, we often forget one thing. To abound also in God’s grace. Doing this proves our love for one another and God also. We do this as Christ did and lower ourselves down as a servant. We may be rich in the Lord but are humble before others who see us. This is Jesus in us, that causes us to do all this. Paul explained this even better when he wrote to the Corinthian church. It is written, “therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:7-9) Jesus is such a great example of living a life of poverty, though He didn’t have to. But He did the same for us. Yes, Jesus lived the perfect way for us to live. If we would just look to the Lord, our God, in faith, then His same way of life will also become a part of who we are.
Who is willing to accept this teaching today? God is looking for that self same-mind? Is it You who will allow Jesus to abide in you starting today? If so, then you will learn to love and also supply the needs of one another. Paul spoke of this and said, “for if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.” (2 Corinthians 8:12-15) Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.” (2 Corinthians 8:24) So go now and prove your love by abiding in God’s grace. People won’t help but see a changed nature in you. The way you speak and act around others will be exemplary of Christ in you. This happens when we live out our faith in earnest love towards God and our neighbor. If you desire to be saved then live a life that pleases God and not man. Now go forth and serve God. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will help us to live this life in a way that pleases You. Help us to not make excuses for how we use our time each day, but that we will submit our lives fully surrounded to You and Your kingdom. Have Your way in our lives, Lord. Use us as You see fit, not how we wish to live. Take every bit of selfishness and pride and cast it away. I don’t wish to be led by my own flesh, which is sinful in Your sight, any longer. Your ways are delightful, not the things I have done through my own hands or others. Lord, I know that there many people in this world to still be reached with the gospel, however, people are scared or have no time to witness to them. There is a spirit of fear in people, which the enemy has caused, but I know that You are more powerful than any evil force. If people would simply submit themselves to You in prayer and in reading the Bible daily, then doors would be opened. All the fear would turn to boldness. Even people who are poor and homeless will be cared for and prayed over. Wow! I look forward to living in a world where people would join me on the streets and care for people in need. Lord, may Your Spirit abound in me all the days of my life. Light up my life that people may see You in me and rejoice. I love You, Lord. I trust in You, God. Amen.
